ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Turkey on Friday shared strong resolve to enhance existing defence cooperation. This understanding was reached at a meeting held between Minister for Defence Khawaja Muhammad Asif and Minister of National Defence of the Republic of Turkey, Fikri ISIK.
Iski was on first official visit to Pakistan since assuming the charge of his office. Khawaja Muhammad Asif welcomed the Turkish delegation. He conveyed appreciation on democratic initiatives taken by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. He also conveyed condolences and sympathies on suicidal attacks in Istanbul and Ankara.
The meeting discussed exemplary and historical relations existed between Pakistan and Turkey and reiterated strong desire to deepen, broaden and strengthen their partnership in defence sector. Both countries cooperate closely at the regional and multinational forums through the platforms of UN, OIC, ECO and D-8.
Turkish role as important part of trilateral process on Afghanistan was also discussed. Pakistan reiterated its desire for peaceful and stable Afghanistan through Afghan owned and Afghan led peace process. Both sides expressed satisfaction over successful holding of 11th Round of High Level Military Dialogue Group meeting in Ankara in October 2015.
Its next session is scheduled to be held in Pakistan in October this year. The construction of PN Tanker Fleet at Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works and Turkish Navy’s participation in different Naval Exercises were also discussed.
Turkish side informed that it would participate in IDEAS-2016 this year. Fikri ISIK has recently been appointed as Minister of National Defence of Turkey. Previously he served as Speaker of the Grand National Assembly in 2015. Prior to entering politics, he worked as a law consultant and mechanical engineer.
